State government reporter Heather J. Carlson

Tom Rukavina

January 08, 2010

The campaign fundraising totals for gubernatorial candidates are slowly starting to trickle in. Here is a recap of how much candidates have raised so far.

Among Democrats, former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza is leading the pack so far. He reported raising $300,000 last year. In addition to that money, he donated $10,000 of his own money and loaned his campaign $70,000.

Close behind Entenza are two other DFL candidates — state Rep. Paul Thissen and Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Thissen raised $253,000 including $20,000 of his own money. He reported having $85,000 left in the bank. Kelliher raised $245,000 and she donated $250 to her campaign. She has $81,000 left in the bank.

Coming in fourth among Democrats who have disclosed their campaign funds is state Rep. Tom Rukavina. He raised $135,000 and has more than $60,000 in cash on hand.

That leave seven DFLers who have yet to reveal their campaign donation information. They have to file it with the state by the end of the month.

So far, state Rep. Tom Emmer is the lone Republican to release campaign information. He raised $115,000. he is one of seven Republicans vying for the party's endorsement.

September 08, 2009

Yesterday, Iron Range DFL Rep. Tom Rukavina officially announced his candidacy for governor at a Labor Day picnic in Duluth. That announcement was not a surprise — Rukavina had announced earlier this summer he had put a campaign exploratory committee together. But what caught my eye was the Republican Party of Minnesota's response.

In a press release, the party's State Chair Tony Sutton is quoted as offering the following statement: "Seriously?"

That was the entire statement.

As for Rukavina, he is joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for the party's nomination. He has a reputation as one of the most liberal members of the House and for speaking his mind. It's interesting to note the colorful speaker's campaign slogan — "refreshingly honest."